Chapter 23 – Playing the Cards

DISCLAIMER: We do not own Star Wars or any of the characters in it, though we wish we did. xD

Author's Note: In which Anakin succeeds in his mission and Palpatine talks to Padme...

If there's anything you would like to see such as relationships or moments between the characters, just let me know! I'll take everything you say into consideration, promise! :) My best ideas come from you, the readers!

~ Amina Gila

"You're late," Asajj states flatly as Anakin steps into the mostly empty dining room. He was supposed to be back early in the morning for a short break in his attempts to break the Jedi. Honestly, she suspects the only reason he came is because she returned for two days before heading back to the front lines. The war is no joke, and she's been fighting almost nonstop since it began. Okay. Maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration.

"Miss me much?" Anakin teases right back, pulling out the chair next to her and sitting down. "Hey, Rex!" he greets the clone who, unlike his brothers, is still eating.

Rex nods a greeting. "Would you like me to get you something, Anakin?"

"Please," Anakin replies gratefully, and Rex rises to fetch him a tray of breakfast.

"Mmm hmm," Asajj hums, leaning over to give him a playful, chaste kiss on the cheek as she throws an arm around his shoulders. "It was incredibly boring on the front lines without you there to keep me company."

Anakin snorts, elbowing her. "Careful or I might think you're trying to steal me from Padme."

Asajj makes a gagging noise. "Ick! I told you I'm not interested in that sort of thing! Besides, you're my best friend or brother, whichever you prefer."

Rex coughs to smother a laugh behind them as he sets a tray down in front of Anakin before returning to his own seat. "Thanks," Anakin tells him with a half-smile as he starts eating. "I'm starving," he comments five minutes and half a plate later. "It's busy work to break a Jedi, and my brain feels as though it's been fried from all the exercise that I've been giving it."

"Which is to say that you normally don't use it," Asajj concludes, patting his arm. "I feel bad for you." Anakin swats her hand away and glares.

"Hush, you," he scolds. "I'm the one talking." She nods with a feigned obedience and is pleased to see him fighting a smile as he looks back at the food in front of him. "Anyway, she's Fallen. I played enough word games and used the Sith mask on her. I'm not sure how she feels about me now; that's something which Dooku will have to decide when we return there tomorrow."

"Great job!" Asajj praises. "I knew you could do it!" And she did. Anakin is not only powerful, but incredibly determined. Nothing can stop him once he sets his mind to something, and she can only admire – and envy – his power. He's the strongest of all of them, and even she has yet to learn of something he can't accomplish with the Force.

Anakin looks smug and altogether pleased with himself. "Where are Obi-Wan and Ahsoka?" he queries. "And Dooku?"

"The Count is probably in his office," Rex answers, "And Obi-Wan and Ahsoka went outside to the gardens about fifteen minutes before you got here."

"Oh well," Anakin shrugs. "I'll go see them in a moment, but first, I wanted to talk to you, Rex."

That immediately perks Asajj's interest, because she hadn't heard him mention anything he wanted to discuss with Rex. Maybe this is just a spur of the moment thing. "I know you and your brothers are keeping an eye on the progression of the Clone Wars," Anakin begins neutrally, "And I also know that you dislike sitting here, unable to help."

Rex seems mildly surprised for a moment, but maybe that's only because he didn't realize that Anakin pays close attention to everyone around him, even if he doesn't act like it. "Yes," the clone admits, "That is true. We know that it's not realistic for us to help, especially given our positions, but if it would be possible, we are all more than willing."

Anakin nods slowly, leaning back in his chair, blue eyes scrutinizing Rex. "I don't want to push you, but if you want, you can help us. I know that means fighting with the Separatists and against the Republic which is why I want you to think about it."

Rex exhales, eyes flicking down before he looks up at Anakin again. "I respect you very much, sir, but I don't wish to be in a position where I'll be forced to fight against my brothers."

The look on Anakin's face can only be labeled compassion. "I know," he says softly. "That's why I want you to think about it. There are other ways you could help us, especially in situations where battle won't be necessary, such as infiltrating to obtain information."

"Then… then, yes, I would like to help," Rex decides. "I'm sure my brothers will be happy to help you also."

Anakin meets his gaze with a faint smile. "It'll be good to have someone I trust at my back on information runs," he teases.

"Anakin, it's good to see you're back!" calls Obi-Wan as he steps into the room, Ahsoka beside him. Asajj tilts her head to watch as Anakin's face brightens, and he spins to his feet, striding over to them.

"And with good tidings," Anakin offers enthusiastically. He almost seems to be vibrating with excitement at his success. Asajj huffs quietly. She could probably do the same thing he did given time – and training.

"You succeeded?" queries Ahsoka as Anakin gives her and Obi-Wan a quick hug.

"I did," he confirms gleefully, and Asajj is certain that he doesn't notice the way Ahsoka's face dims slightly.

"That's good," Obi-Wan replies smoothly, smiling. "Let's go find Dooku to see if you can tell him the news in person." Anakin waves to her and Rex over his shoulder as he follows the others out of the room.

She only realizes that she's frowning when Rex clears his throat. "Something wrong?" he questions lightly.

It takes her a moment to figure out what's bothering her. "He seems… so happy with them," she finally says, "And I don't begrudge him that, but I feel like they don't care nearly as much about me. Which is stupid because it's not like they don't care about me." And she's really, truthfully not sure why she confessed that to Rex.

He studies her for a moment before rising. "Well, how about you come spend some time with me and the boys?" he suggests. "Echo wanted to build a customized shuttle without Anakin's help."

Asajj grins at him. "I'm with you," she asserts. "Even if I don't normally enjoy engineering projects, there's a first time for everything."

**w**

Dooku knows that he shouldn't be proud of Anakin for succeeding in breaking Offee in so short a period of time, but he is, only because Anakin did it without sacrificing needless innocent victims. He's honestly come to feel that Anakin is the most suited for the role of Emperor because of how compassionate he can be. He broke Offee because he was told to, but also because he wanted to prove to himself that he could, and while such a drive could be destructive, Dooku knows that Anakin's natural empathy makes it unlikely.

If he had any doubts about the former Jedi's affiliations, they're gone when the guards lead her into the room where he's waiting with Anakin. The Dark Side hangs around her like a shroud, and Dooku knows that he has to give her careful guidance so that she doesn't entirely lose herself in it. Anakin told him that he told Offee about Palpatine already – it was one of the primary things which ended up breaking her – which means one more revelation out of the way.

But first and foremost, they need to call Sidious together to inform him of the status. The Sith will, no doubt, be incredibly pleased by the state of affairs; maybe he'll even let Anakin off the hook for being so rash during the battle of Geonosis. Doubtful, but Dooku can always hope.

The guards leave Offee in the room and return to their posts outside. "Are you well?" Dooku asks her gently. "You can speak freely."

She nods jerkily. "I'm fine," she answers brusquely. "I was given a room and food after I saw the truth in Skywalker's words."

"I don't trust her," Anakin sends telepathically, eyes narrowed as he watches her. "I feel like it would be a foolhardy move to trust her for some reason."

"I sense it too," Dooku replies, the pleasant expression on his face never changing. "Very good," he tells her. "Are you ready to contact our master?"

"Of course," Offee answers immediately.

Anakin turns, inputting the frequency of the holocommunicator, kneeling in the transmission field. Dooku joins him, and grudgingly, Offee bows next to them as they wait for the call to connect. Finally, the hooded figure of Sidious appears in front of them, and Dooku can sense a momentary surge of surprise which is followed by satisfaction. "Lord Vader, I see you have succeeded," the Sith states with relish.

"Yes, my Master," Anakin answers, bowing his head. "It was my honor."

"Perhaps you are deserving of your rank after all," muses Sidious. A taut silence hangs in the air as he presumably scrutinizes Offee. "And you, my dear, how have you been? I do hope Lord Vader was not too harsh on you."

"No, my Lord," Offee murmurs respectfully. "He was not. He only did what was necessary to show me the truth. I am more than happy to be here and serve you."

Studying her posture and remaining attentive to the Force, Dooku doesn't miss how she seems to put a strange emphasis on the last word. Is it because she despises Anakin? Because she only wants to serve Sidious instead of Anakin or him? Neither will bode well if they want their plans to continue without any impediments. Anakin – as usual – was right. Offee could easily become a liability. Unfortunately, it will not be easy for them to eliminate her if she proves to be a risk for them and the galaxy.

Sidious cackles darkly, the sound sending a chill through Dooku, though he doesn't move. "Good. Good. Lord Tyrannus, you will instruct her in how to control her new power, so she doesn't begin to overestimate her abilities. I wish to have frequent updates. Give Offee a commlink so I can contact her at liberty."

"As you wish, Master," Dooku replies as fear begins to prickle through him. No, this is not good at all. Another Fallen Jedi isn't necessarily a bad thing, but the problem arises if said individual is allied with Sidious over him and Anakin.

"Lord Vader, you may contact your mother and speak to her as a reward for your success," Sidious finishes.

"Thank you, Master." Despite the respectful tone Anakin is using, Dooku can hear his delight. Oddly enough, that only seems to fuel Sidious's amusement. Strange. He has to be plotting something against them. It's the only explanation, and for one brief second, Dooku has a moment of clarity. Sidious is carefully crafting events to turn everyone he can against Anakin and destroy the rest in his calculated bid to break his favored apprentice and bring him to his knees forever.

The image vanishes as Sidious disconnects the call. Dooku shakes off his unease lest Anakin sense it and demand answers. He doesn't want to ruin Anakin's mood right now. This is something they can discuss later. "Do you want to call your mother now?" Dooku queries.

Anakin nods, eyes shining with excitement as he rises and enters the correct frequency. Dooku motions to Offee to wait as he stands next to Anakin, waiting for Shmi to answer. It takes her less than ten seconds to connect the transmission.

"Ani!" she exclaims, relief evident in her tone. "I feared it would be longer before I heard from you again."

"Mom," Anakin whispers, unable to tear his eyes away from her hologram. Dooku can feel his rising surge of emotion and touches his shoulder fleetingly to offer his silent support.

"Count Dooku, it's good to see you again as well," Shmi continues, studying him. Dooku couldn't use any one word to describe their relationship, but he will admit to being… a bit fond of Shmi. She is a wonderful person, and it's easy to see where Anakin got his heart. It might be pushing it to define her as a daughter, but he knows that she views him as something of a mentor and definitely a friend.

"Everything is well," Dooku tells her carefully, all too aware of the unfriendly pair of eyes watching them. "There has been a single complication, so don't expect any visitors in the near future." He employs their old code talk to discuss the plans which will hopefully and eventually result in their freedom.

Shmi nods, obviously understanding. "Well, may the Force be with you and stay safe." Don't do anything which might compromise you. Dooku allows a slight smile at the coded reply.

"We'll be safe," he answers. We won't. He shifts into a more relaxed posture. "I'll leave you to speak with Anakin." He glances at Anakin, and their eyes meet, a look of shared understanding passing between them. Anakin knew that Dooku was only talking to Shmi to update her the new possible problem: Barriss.

Turning, Dooku walks to the door and opens it, Offee falling in behind him.

"I've missed you so much, Mom," Anakin says behind them before the door closes, cutting off any further noise and granting Anakin some privacy.

"Are you up for some training?" Dooku inquires.

"Absolutely," Offee replies, a surge of pure darkness accompanying her words.

For the first time, Dooku wonders if she's already too dark for him to help her learn control. Just what did Anakin say to cause something like this? Or was it the Sith mask which did this? It must have been. Anakin can be cruel with words, but nothing he could say would elicit something like this. What did the Sith mask show her? More likely than not, she'll never tell him which, as far as control is concerned, will only make the situation worse.

**w**

"Chancellor, you wished to speak with me?" Padme steps hesitantly into the office, heart pounding far harder than it should be. Over the past month, she's heard nothing, no word of Anakin, and while she and Palpatine have often conversed, there was something in the latest message which seemed unusually urgent.

It's been so hard to live in this uncertainty surrounding her fiancé, to hear the whispers of him being a traitor. She'd tried to defend him at first, but nothing she said had any impact, so eventually, she began ignoring everything said about him. Much as she's loath to admit it, she's begun to have doubts as well. Anakin… Well, he's always seemed a bit troubled, and there were times when he seemed to be distant, but she chalked it up to stress as being the adopted son of the Chancellor.

But maybe it was something else. Maybe he was being troubled by something which she can never hope to discern. It's been long enough, and Padme is tired of waiting. It might take her a lot of time, but she's determined to unravel the mystery which is Anakin Skywalker. The only problem is that she doesn't even know where to start, though talking to Palpatine seems like as good a place as any.

"Ah, my dear, it's good to see you here so early." The Chancellor sounds as weary as he looks, and Padme feels a pang of sympathy. The detractors and critics have been far harsher on him than her, and she wonders how he's able to cope with it.

He motions for her to sit, and she does, shifting almost impatiently in her chair. "This is about Anakin, I presume?"

"You presume correctly," he agrees, sighing. "The Jedi Council brought this to my attention earlier, and I felt you should be made aware. I know you will not betray my confidences or unduly reveal anything about Anakin which I tell you."

"Of course not," she hastens to reassure him, leaning forwards. "What is it?"

"A report has just arrived from Christophsis," Palpatine tells her gravely. "Ahsoka Tano, one of the Jedi Anakin is rumored to have kidnapped on Geonosis, joined with our troops there, led by Jedi Knight Barriss Offee."

"Is that – what did she say?" Padme asks anxiously, fidgeting with her skirt.

"She said that Dooku is trying to convert her to his cause," he explains grimly. "She informed them of a clone spy – who was later discovered – but her and Offee went to investigate. They never returned."

Padme gapes at him in horrified shock. "Was Anakin lying about not working with Dooku?" she whispers, pain and betrayal rushing through her. "He said that he's supporting the Republic, but was it all a lie?"

"I wish I knew," the Chancellor whispers, voice laden with anguish. "I wish I knew."

In this moment, Padme knows that they're both silently mourning the loss of someone they'd held dear, and she lets herself grieve, holding back her tears for later when she's alone. "How did this happen?" she manages to get out. "How could we have missed something like this? I can't believe that he could possibly fall so far as to betray the Republic and stab us in the back like this." She shakes her head. "There must be something we're missing."

"I know it hurts," Palpatine soothes her, resting a grandfatherly hand on her arm. "It may never stop until we find the truth, but I have to confess that I fear we are still being blinded. I'm afraid it may be too late."

Padme pulls away, staring at him, askance. "What are you suggesting?" she demands, voice rising slowly as her despair gives way to anger. "How can you even imply that Anakin might have turned against the Republic and against us, his family?!"

Palpatine sighs, looking down at his desk, and Padme feels bad for getting upset at him. He must know Anakin better than her, having raised him, but she simply can't bring herself to accept what he's saying. "I first met Count Dooku before he left the Order," the Chancellor relates, seeming to be lost in thought. "I introduced him to Anakin shortly after he repossessed his land on Serenno. Dooku was quite taken with Anakin, or so I thought at the time. He told me that Anakin is incredibly strong with the Force, and that leaving him untrained could destroy him, so powerful was he."

He meets her eyes, and she can almost see the guilt swirling in them. "Dooku explained that he would teach Anakin how to control the Force, and I knew that they became extremely friendly to the point where Anakin would accompany the Count to Serenno. I didn't see any harm in it, and since Shmi didn't seem to find anything wrong, I let it continue. I probably should have put a stop to it much sooner."

"It's not your fault," Padme tries to assure him. "You didn't know how conniving Dooku was. I can maybe talk to Shmi and see if she can shed some light on this."

Palpatine nods but isn't quite looking at her. "Do you know what the Jedi say about those who turn to the Dark Side?" When she wordlessly shakes her head, he continues, "They say that they're lost. They say that once someone begins using the Dark Side, they're lost. They'll no longer be the same person they were before."

She's desperately shaking her head before he even finishes. "No," she chokes out. "No, they're wrong. Anakin is not lost to us. The Jedi will never know him like I do, like you do. We know how much he cares about people. He hasn't lost it. He hasn't."

Padme struggles to reign in her emotions, but she can't stop the tears from spilling down her cheeks as images of Anakin turning against her, against the Republic flash through her mind. It's all so wrong. He's not evil. At heart, he's one of the best people she's ever has the fortune of meeting. And he loves her. If he was utterly lost, then he wouldn't be able to care for others. Still, hard though she tries, she knows that there is truth to what Palpatine was saying. Something has happened to Anakin, but even if he has somehow in some inconceivable way betrayed the Republic, Padme knows that she will always love him, and she will never stop trying to bring him back to her, back to those who care for him.